by Lori Kramer, Enthusiastic Tasting Room Associate & SLO Locavore
Image of Novo's Restaurant & Lounge. Source: Novo.

 

San Luis Obispo, with its vibrant culinary scene, is a haven for food lovers. But making this list requires something extra. At Croma Vera Wines, we believe that a great meal becomes exceptional with the perfect wine pairing. Here are our seven favorite restaurants in San Luis Obispo and our recommended Croma Vera wines to enhance your dining experience.

 

For the Patio Enthusiasts

Novo Restaurant & Lounge

Nestled in a picturesque setting, Novo Restaurant & Lounge offers a delightful outdoor dining experience.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Singapore Satay Chicken with Basmati Rice
• Recommended wine pairing: Croma Vera's 2022 Albariño, known for its crisp acidity, complements the vibrant flavors of the dish.
• Corkage: $20 per bottle (Novo will chill your bottle, if requested).

Website: Novo Restaurant & Lounge

 

Luna Red

Two restaurants in one. Inside is the intimate bar and lounge. But it’s the outside patio that shines. This is the patio that this Mission-adjacent property has needed for years.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with chorizo, followed by Street Tacos (Pork Chili Verde, Braised Beef Birria)
• Recommended wine pairing: Croma Vera Revelación "Revel" 2018, a wine that enhances the rich, savory notes of the dishes.
• Corkage: $20 per bottle

Website: Luna Red

 

Buona Tavola

For an authentic Italian dining experience, Buona Tavola is a must-visit.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Polpettine di Anatra e Tacchino (duck and turkey dumplings), followed by Tortelloni Bufalina (mozzarella-stuffed pasta with tomato basil sauce)
• Recommended wine pairing: Croma Vera 2019 Coastal Grenache perfectly balances the rich flavors of these Italian specialties.
• Corkage: $30 (maximum of two bottles)

Website: Buona Tavola, San Luis Obispo

 

For an Intimate Meal

Nate’s On Marsh

Sure, maybe I can’t be impartial here because this charming little house was the site of a seafood restaurant in 1984, where I had my first date with the man whom I married 36 years ago. But Nate’s holds its own in charm, even without those memories. If you want a spot at the hip bar, or at least along the wall adjacent, get there at opening.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu, and if it’s on the dessert menu, SLO Campfire
• Recommended wine pairing: Croma Vera 2017 Tempranillo Maduro, adding depth to the robust flavors of the lamb ragu.
• Corkage: $35 per bottle (waived with purchase of a bottle off their list)

Website: Nate’s On Marsh

 

La Locanda

I've never dined in New York, but this is what I imagine it would be like. I keep expecting someone’s grandmother to come out of the kitchen to make sure we’re cleaning our plates.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Lasagna Bolognese with bechamel
• Recommended wine pairing: 2019 Coastal Grenache, a wine that complements the rich, creamy layers of the lasagna.
• Corkage: $22 per bottle

Website: La Locanda

 

For the Atmosphere

High Bar - Hotel SLO Rooftop

Arrive early to get a table along the side for best almost-360 degree views.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Chicken Pizza Bianco
• Recommended wine pairing: Croma Vera 2022 Albariño or 2022 Grenache Joven, both of which add a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Corkage: $25 per bottle (property-wide fee)

Website: High Bar - Hotel SLO

 

Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica

With locations in both SLO and Pismo, Giuseppe’s offers a historic and lively dining experience. SLO’s is a place to be seen. But Pismo has the O.G. history.

• Lori’s go-to dish: Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana
• Recommended wine pairing: Croma Vera 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that enhances the hearty, savory flavors of the pasta.
• Corkage: $20 per bottle

Website: Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica

 

Visit Us at Croma Vera Wines

Pairing delicious food with the perfect wine elevates any dining experience. We invite you to explore these wonderful restaurants in San Luis Obispo and enhance your meals by bringing along a bottle from Croma Vera Wines. Visit our tasting room to discover more about our wines and find your perfect pairing.